“Mata was training today and so was Petr Cech, and both are available for selection,” the former Liverpool boss told reporters. “David Luiz, though, is still injured, along with Oriol Romeu.”

Benitez also offered encouragement to the Magpies, suggesting that they can turn their disappointing campaign around – but hopefully only after this weekend.

He said: “Last season they had a great campaign, and I was slightly surprised that they haven't been playing at the same level.

“But you can see they still have good players, and I think they will do well, but hopefully after this game.

“They did well last Tuesday against Aston Villa, so they will be happy with the performance and the result. After this game, if they can win a few games in a row I'm sure they will be fine.”

Saturday’s game sees the first time Demba Ba will return to Newcastle since leaving the Magpies this January and Benitez believes the Senegal striker will be in the right frame of mind to produce an effective performance.

Benitez added: “I think he's confident he can do well if he plays. He's been training well, he's a professional and he knows that some fans might not be happy, but others will understand the situation, so he's ready to play.”